Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face.

Fatally powerful as religious systems have been, human nature is stronger and wider, and though dogmas may hamper they cannot absolutely repress its growth.

It is a common enough case, that of a man being suddenly captivated by a woman nearly the opposite of his ideal.

Dear Friends all, A thousand Christmas pleasures and blessings to you -- good resolutions and bright hopes for the New Year! Amen. People who can't be witty exert themselves to be pious or affectionate.

I protest against any absolute conclusion.

It is the way with half the truth amidst which we live, that it only haunts us and makes dull pulsations that are never born into sound.

The perpetual mourner -- the grief that can never be healed -- is innocently enough felt to be wearisome by the rest of the world. And my sense of desolation increases. Each day seems a new beginning -- a new acquaintance with grief.